Snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces

ABSTRACT

A snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces is disclosed. The present invention comprises a tubular metallic pipe or sleeve of a length sufficient to cover the entire blade on a snowplow, having flared or curved-up end components, a channel in which the snowplow blade can be placed, and relatively large-surface-area “footies” to disperse the weight of the snowplow blade and system. The footies can have flared or curved-up edges so that they can glide over the artificial turf surface instead of digging in or otherwise damaging the surface. In other embodiments, the system is used without footies. A means of attaching the device to various snowplows is described as is a recommended method of using the system to remove snow from a surface. It is to be understood that the system can be used on other, relatively fragile surfaces in addition to artificial turf.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/456,800 entitled “Snow Removal System for Artificial Turf and Other Fragile Surfaces” and filed on Nov. 12, 2010, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it teaches and discloses.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to the snow removal industry and more particularly to a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces.

BACKGROUND

There are many different types of snow removal equipment, from shovels and brooms to very large, vehicle-mounted blades, plows, and blowers. The particular type of equipment chosen to remove snow depends not only on an operator's personal preferences, but also on the effects said equipment will have on the surface from which the snow is to be removed. One surface that has very specialized properties is artificial turf. Artificial turf is a manufactured surface comprising synthetic fibers that are made to resemble natural grass. It has been traditionally used as a replacement field surface for sports that were originally or are normally played on grass. Additionally, artificial turf is now being used on residential lawns and in commercial applications as well.

As the use of artificial turf fields expands into more and more areas that receive substantial amounts of snowfall every year, a significant problem has developed: traditional snow removal devices either damage the artificial turf field or are too time-intensive; or more likely, cause both problems simultaneously. Three means currently employed to remove snow from artificial turf are: (1) a standard, light-truck-mounted snowplow, which can rip or otherwise damage the artificial turf or cause problems with the in-fill (the in-fill comprises small, round, rubber particles that are placed underneath the artificial turf mat); (2) a snow-blower, which can take 8-10 hours to clear a field and have a large potential of damaging the field if they break-down or if they pick up an object in their brushes; and (3) a rubber-bladed snowplow, which “chatters” (i.e., hops up and down) and digs into the field, ripping out small portions of turf fibers and causing significant problems with the in-fill.

Thus, there is a need for a snow removal system for artificial turf that can effectively remove snow in a timely fashion, without damaging the artificial turf surface or the in-fill.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention comprises a tubular metallic pipe or sleeve (any appropriate material may be used) of a length sufficient to cover the entire blade on a snowplow, having flared or curved-up end components, a channel in which the snowplow blade can be placed, and relatively large-surface-area “footies” to disperse the weight of the snowplow blade and system. The footies can have flared or curved-up edges so that they can glide over the artificial turf surface instead of digging in or otherwise damaging the surface. In other embodiments, the system is used without footies. A means of attaching the device to various snowplows is also described as is a recommended method of using the system to quickly and effectively remove snow from an artificial turf surface. It is to be understood that the system can be used on other, relatively fragile surfaces in addition to artificial turf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces;

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for removing snow from artificial turf and other fragile surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the accompanying figures, FIG. 1 shows a representative snowplow blade 160 with an embodiment of the system 100. The components shown in FIG. 1 include a sleeve 110, first and second flare ends 120 and 122, first and second sleeve attachment means 130 and 132, and first and second footies 140 and 142. Also shown in FIG. 1 are additional exemplary snowplow blade components including a cutting edge 164 and mounting bolts 162.

The sleeve 110 extends the entire length of the snowplow blade 160 and has first and second flare ends 120 and 122. The sleeve 110 can comprise a pipe or other tubular structure and can be made from metal or other resilient material(s) that do not become overly brittle and break under the conditions encountered when plowing snow. Further, the sleeve 110 needs to have a relatively low coefficient of friction as it needs to glide over an artificial turf field without damaging the turf. The first and second footies 140 and 142 help to prevent contact between the sleeve 110 and the turf surface but as field use requirements may necessitate nearly complete snow removal, the footies 140 may need to be removed and the sleeve 110 lowered to be in contact with the artificial turf in some cases.

Although not shown in detail in FIG. 1, the sleeve 110 includes a channel for receiving the main cutting edge 164 of the snowplow blade 160 therein. This ensures that the blade 160 can not contact the turf or do damage thereto. Further, the channel helps to ensure that the sleeve 110 stays properly installed on the snowplow blade 160. Exemplary embodiments of first and second sleeve attachment means 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 1 as well. The illustrated sleeve attachment means 130 and 132 each comprise a bracket that is attached to the sleeve 110 and provides attachment points to affix the sleeve 110 to a snowplow blade 160. In other embodiments, other shaped brackets are appropriate. It is contemplated that a number of various attachment means 130 and 132 will be utilized as there are a plethora of different blade designs and shapes that can employ the system 100.

The first and second footies 140 and 142 as illustrated in FIG. 1 each comprise a relatively large, flat surface having one or more flared edges. The footies 140 and 142 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 resemble a portion of a snowboard having a long flat body and an upturned nose so that they can glide over a surface without damaging it. As discussed above, the footies 140 are designed to prevent contact between the sleeve 110 and the artificial turf or other fragile surface. Instead, the weight of the snowplow blade 160 and system 100 is distributed onto the relatively large surface area of the plurality of footies 140 and 142 (usually two, but any number of footies are contemplated). The footies 140 and 142 are designed to glide over the surface of the turf without damaging either the turf or the in-fill. As discussed above, the footies can be removed when it is necessary to reduce the snow depth as far as possible on an artificial turf field. At other times, it may be prudent to leave one, two, three or more inches of snow on the turf field. This can be accomplished by adjusting the distance between the bottom of the sleeve 110 and the footies 140 using the locking adjustment screws (see later Figures for details). For example, when plowing the turf field using a winter maintenance strategy, it is desirable to leave approximately two inches of snow on the field. Allowing more than six inches of snow to build up causes the weight to be too great to safely plow the field when it later becomes necessary to do so (e.g., to make the field ready for use in the spring). When adjusting the footies 140 and 142, care should be taken so that they run true and straight in the direction of travel rather than at a particular angle relative to the snowplow blade 160.

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces 200 in an unattached configuration. The channel 212 in the sleeve 210 can be clearly seen. As discussed above, the channel 212 is configured for receipt of the cutting edge of the snowplow blade therein. This ensures that the blade can not touch the artificial turf and damage it in any way. Also shown in FIG. 2 is the second flare end 222 which provides a relatively safe end to the sleeve 210 such that no sharp surfaces are exposed and in a position to damage the turf.

A second exemplary sleeve attachment means 232 is displayed in FIG. 2. Other sleeve attachment means 232 are contemplated, especially as the shape and configurations of individual snowplow blades vary considerably. In many configurations, a plurality of sleeve attachment means 232 is contemplated. In some cases, a single attachment means is sufficient, in others two or more attachment means are preferred.

An exemplary embodiment of a second footie 242 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Each footie 242 is preferably shaped similar to a snowboard and has a footie attachment means 250. Each footie attachment means 250 includes a shaft 251, a first set of locking nuts 252, a second set of locking nuts 253, a safety bolt 254, and a mounting plate 255. The shaft 251 is mounted to the backside of the snowplow blade and/or the snowplow blade supports. The shaft 251 engages the nuts 252 and 253 above and below mounting points (or alternatively, below and above mounting points on the snowplow blade. The first and second set of locking nuts 252 and 253 are then locked in place, also thereby locking the footie in place relative to the snowplow blade. Furthermore, since the shaft 251 can be formed with threads that engage the locking nuts 252 and 253, the action of turning the nuts causes the footie 242 to raise or lower relative to the blade of the snowplow. The locking nuts 252 and 253 can be tightened in order to lock the footie in position. The safety bolt 254 ensures that the footie 242 does not become unattached from the plow blade. Finally, the mounting plate 255 attaches the shaft 251 to the footie 242. The plate 255 can be shaped with flared ends in order to minimize any damage to the turf that might result if the footie 242 is somehow ripped off of the footie attachment means 250. In other embodiments, other footie attachment means 250 can be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces 300 in an alternate embodiment without the use of footies and unmounted. Exemplary embodiments of first and second sleeve attachment means 330 and 332 are shown in FIG. 3. The illustrated sleeve attachment means 330 and 332 each comprise a bracket that is attached to the sleeve 310 and provides attachment points to affix the sleeve 310 to a snowplow blade. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the brackets are simply bolted to the front of the snowplow blade by a plurality of bolts. In other embodiments, other shaped brackets are appropriate. It is contemplated that a number of various sleeve attachment means 330 and 332 will be utilized as there are a plethora of different blade designs and shapes that can employ the system 300. One embodiment of first and second flare ends 320 and 322 can be seen in FIG. 3 as well. The flare ends 320 and 322 are angled up at the ends of the sleeve 310 in order to ensure that ends of the sleeve 310 do not cut into or otherwise damage an artificial turf or other fragile surface during the act of removing snow from such a surface. Note that the flare ends 320 and 322 can be curved upwards instead of angled upwards.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a snow removal system for artificial turf and other fragile surfaces 400. The components shown in FIG. 4 are discussed in detail above, and include: a sleeve 410, first and second flare ends 420 and 422, first and second sleeve attachment means 430 and 432, a plurality of footies 440 and 442, and a plurality of footie attachment means 450 and 480.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for removing snow from artificial turf and other fragile surfaces 570. The method comprises the following steps: Installing the Snow Removal System on a Snowplow 571, Positioning the Snowplow at One End of the Field in Approximately the Center 572, Lowering the Plow and System Until the Weight Is on the Footies 573, Plowing in Straight Lines Until Windrows Get Too Deep 574, Moving System to Edges of Field and Working Back Inwards 575, and Avoiding Spinning Plow Vehicle's Tires or Braking 576.

The step of Installing the Snow Removal System on a Snowplow 571 involves the following: (1) Raise the plow blade; (2) Remove the skids; (3) Align the channel on the sleeve to the cutting edge of the plow blade; (4) Make sure the sleeve is centered on the plow blade; (5) Start at one side of the sleeve and use a floor jack to lift the sleeve, lightly tapping onto plow blade edge; (6) Work down the length of the sleeve until it is firmly seated against the cutting edge of the plow blade; (7) Drill holes through the turf plow bracket and plow mouldboard; (8) Install ½ bolts and locking nuts; (9) Install footies to original skid mounting bolt holes on plow; (10) Adjust footies to desired height using lower nut; (11) Align footies to direction of travel; (12) Tighten nuts to plow and lock the jam nuts; (13) Install safety bolt through top nut and screw of footies; and (14) Tighten lock nuts.

The step of Positioning the Snowplow at One End of the Field in Approximately the Center 572 involves maneuvering the vehicle, plow, and system to one end of the field and positioning it in approximately the center of the field. On subsequent snow removal jobs, be sure to vary the exact starting position so that ruts are not formed in the field surface.

The step of Lowering the Plow and System Until the Weight Is on the Footies 573 involves operating the plow's controls so that the weight of the plow and system is distributed onto the footies (or onto the sleeve if not using the footies). The plow should be set to float and no down pressure should be placed on the plow.

The step of Plowing in Straight Lines Until Windrows Get Too Deep 574 involves plowing the turf field in straight lines and not turning, especially while the plow vehicle is at rest on the field. The vehicle works slowly outwards until the windrows of snow get too deep.

The step of Moving System to Edges of Field and Working Back Inwards 575 involves repositioning the plow and system at the edges of the field (again avoid starting in the same exact position repeatedly in subsequent snow removal episodes as this may create ruts) and then plowing back inwards towards the previously plowed area.

The step of Avoiding Spinning Plow Vehicle's Tires or Braking 576 involves the use of the back pressure caused by the snow impacting the plow to slow the vehicle and plow rather than application of the brakes while on the field. Also, it involves accelerating gradually and not spinning the vehicles tires and thus reducing all extra stresses on the artificial turf field when removing snow therefrom.

Additional use recommendations are as follows:

1. Maximum allowable weight on the field is a ¾ ton pickup truck.

2. Turning must be avoided on the field. A very gradual arc might be allowable under certain circumstances.

3. Avoid braking on the field (let the snow slow down the vehicle).

4. Do not spin the tires.

5. Avoid being parked on the field. If sitting still on the field the vehicle's front wheels must not be turned.

6. Avoid sudden starts or stops.

7. No fluids may leak on the field. Frequently check hydraulics on plow for leaks. Use blue hydraulic fluid as it stands out on snow.

8. Operate plow at speeds under 8 mph.

9. Operate the plow in float mode.

10. Use a long blade (eight feet or more) to minimize the number of passes it takes to clear the field.

11. Change your starting place to avoid creating ruts in the field over the winter season.

12. Use diagonal passes to cut down heavy wind rows.

13. Plow to opposite ends of the field to avoid heavy build up of wind rows at one end of the field.

14. Reverse direction of travel to keep build up of wind rows balanced on both ends of the field.

15. Make several passes across the field to clear the goal posts.

16. Avoid shifting gears on the field and accelerate gently.

17. Use tires having adequate tread depth and slightly decreased tire pressure to avoid spinning out and to increase traction.

18. If running an automatic transmission, stay in LOW instead of DRIVE; for a standard transmission, use high range, low gear.

19. A new cutting edge on the plow to be fitted with the system is recommended to provide adequate support. 

1. A snow removal system, configured to be attached to a snowplow, comprising: a tubular sleeve having a channel for receiving a snowplow blade therein; a first flare end attached to a first end of the tubular sleeve and a second flare end attached to a second end of the tubular sleeve, the first and second flare ends angled upwards from the tubular sleeve; a sleeve attachment means attached to the sleeve and configured to attach the sleeve to the snowplow; a plurality of footies adjustably attached to the snowplow via a plurality of footie attachment means, the footie attachment means allowing the plurality of footies to be raised or lowered independently of, and relative to, the snowplow blade, and wherein the plurality of footies are each designed to be relatively flat and have a large surface area relative to a bottom of the sleeve in order to distribute a weight of the snow removal system safely onto a surface to be plowed and wherein the plurality of footies are further designed to glide over the surface without marring, tearing, or damaging the surface.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of footies comprises a first footie and a second footie.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of footies each resemble a snowboard, having a long, flat body and an upturned nose.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second flare ends angle upwards from the first and second ends of the sleeve.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second flare ends curve upwards from the first and second ends of the sleeve.
 6. The system of claim 2 wherein the first and second flare ends angle upwards from the first and second ends of the sleeve.
 7. The system of claim 2 wherein the first and second flare ends curve upwards from the first and second ends of the sleeve.
 8. The system of claim 3 wherein the first and second flare ends angle upwards from the first and second ends of the sleeve.
 9. The system of claim 3 wherein the first and second flare ends curve upwards from the first and second ends of the sleeve.
 10. A method for removing snow from artificial turf and other fragile surfaces using a snow removal system, configured to be attached to a snowplow, the system comprising: a tubular sleeve having a channel for receiving a snowplow blade therein; a first flare end attached to a first end of the tubular sleeve and a second flare end attached to a second end of the tubular sleeve, the first and second flare ends angled upwards from the tubular sleeve; a sleeve attachment means attached to the sleeve and configured to attach the sleeve to the snowplow; a plurality of footies adjustably attached to the snowplow via a plurality of footie attachment means, the footie attachment means allowing the plurality of footies to be raised or lowered independently of, and relative to, the snowplow blade, and wherein the plurality of footies are each designed to be relatively flat and have a large surface area relative to a bottom of the sleeve in order to distribute a weight of the snow removal system safely onto a surface to be plowed and wherein the plurality of footies are further designed to glide over the surface without marring, tearing, or damaging the surface; and wherein the method comprises: installing the snow removal system on a snowplow; positioning the snowplow at a first end of the surface to be plowed at approximately a center; lowering the snowplow and system until a weight is on the plurality of footies; plowing in straight lines until windrows get too deep to efficiently move snow; moving system to edges of surface and working back inwards; and avoiding spinning tires on the snowplow or braking. 